Homeowners Water Pipe Maintenance Responsibility

Village Ordinance 1046.14 Installation, Maintenance, and size of Service Pipes states in part:
“Every person supplied with water from the Village water system shall, at his or her own cost and expense, have installed and keep in repair all pipes leading from the buffalo or shut-off box to his or her building, structure or premises that are
supplied with water through such service pipes.”

What Does This Mean to You as the Homeowner?

The Public Works Department maintains and repairs the water main pipes that are located in the right of way along the street up to and including each Buffalo Box. The Buffalo Box is a vertical sleeve which provides access to a stop cock between the public water main and the private water service pipe. (The water main and Buffalo Box are shown in blue on diagram.)

As the home owner you are responsible for maintaining and repairing the private water service pipe which is installed from the Buffalo Box through the foundation of the home. (Shown in orange on the diagram.)

The Public Works Department maintains and repairs the water meter installed at the location where the private water service pipe enters into your home. (Shown in green on the diagram.)

As the home owner you are responsible for maintaining and repairing the water pipes installed inside the home. (Shown in orange on the diagram.)